Press statement in relation to the search of Nicky Hager's home
On 2 October 2014, Nicky Hager's home in Wellington was searched by police. Mr Hager asserted that documents kept at his
house were protected by privilege, including because they contained information that might identify confidential
sources. Rather than search those documents, the Police sealed them and lodged them with the High Court pending
directions from the Court. Mr Hager had concerns that the search was unlawful and sought legal advice.
Mr Hager has now had a chance to consult his lawyers. He believes even more strongly that the Police have acted outside
of the law in seizing his property and seeking to search through all of his documents. Mr Hager has decided to challenge
the Police's actions by way of judicial review. He expects to launch those proceedings during the next few days.
In the meantime, the Police are asserting that there is no valid claim for privilege over the documents. The Police are
seeking the leave of the Court to file their own proceedings in order to argue that there is no privilege and that they
should be allowed to review all of the documents. A preliminary teleconference was held today (23 October 2014) between
the High Court, and lawyers for Mr Hager and the Police, to discuss these issues.
ENDS